2019 Water Use Efficiency Program and Goals Update

Conservation Tips

Daily water consumption on a system-wide basis in the summer can more than double winter water use. It is important for consumers to use water wisely to assure an adequate supply of water for our community and to defer as long as possible the cost of developing new sources of supply or storage facilities. Following are some conservation measures for lawn watering that will help reduce water usage during hot, dry weather:

If watering manually, make sure the soil needs it before you water by probing with your finger or a tool to see if the soil is moist or dry. Automatic sprinkler systems should be equipped with rain sensors to prevent watering when there has been sufficient rainfall.

Water your lawn no more than 1 inch a week, including rainfall, during hot summer weather. Half an inch is all that is necessary during cooler weather. To manually gauge this set a small tin can in the area during watering and measure the time required for it to capture an inch of water. Depending on your watering system, 15 to 30 minutes a day 3 times a week should be sufficient.

Observe your lawn while watering. Puddling and runoff are signs of over-watering. Applying more water than your lawn can absorb is not beneficial.

Water your lawn at night or in the early morning between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. This reduces evaporation and is a much more efficient usage of the water.

Maintaining your lawn at a higher blade height will help reduce the watering requirements during hot weather.

Water your lawn separately from other plants, which often need less water.

Avoid sprinklers that cast water high in the air and where possible use drip irrigation soaker hoses or sprinklers that broadcast the water lower to the ground.

Working With The Community

The City of Enumclaw will provide municipal services to our citizens in an effective and responsible manner, preserving the community’s well-being, respecting the dignity of our citizens, and promoting excellence in public service.